🏡 Home Insurance Tips for First-Time Buyers

1. Understand What Home Insurance Covers

• Typical coverage includes:

  • Dwelling (structure of the home)

  • Detached structures like garages, fences, sheds, retaining walls, etc. 

  • Personal property (belongings)

  • Liability protection

  • Additional living expenses (if you're displaced)

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2. Know Your Property’s Risk Factors

• Insurance rates vary depending on:

  • Location (proximity to fire stations, flood zones)

  • Age and condition of the home

  • Roofing material

  • Safety features (alarms, deadbolts, etc.)

Tip: Ask your real estate agent to check any past claims on the property.

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3. Take a Home Inventory

• Document all your valuables (photos, receipts, descriptions).

• Use apps like:

  • Sortly

  • Encircle

  • HomeZada

This helps ensure you're properly reimbursed in case of loss.

 

4. Bundle and Save

• Ask about bundling your home insurance with auto or umbrella policies to save money​

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5. Understand Deductibles and Premiums

• Higher deductibles = lower premiums, but more out-of-pocket if you file a claim.

• Choose a deductible you can comfortably afford in an emergency.

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6. Review the Policy Carefully

• Don’t just focus on price—check coverage limits, exclusions, and what’s not covered.

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🔍 Why Use a Broker Like South Lake Agency?

✅ Personalized Guidance

• A broker like South Lake works for you, not one insurance company.

• We take time to understand your needs, budget, and risks to tailor the best policy.

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💬 Clear, Jargon-Free Explanations

• Insurance terms can be confusing—South Lake breaks it down so you know exactly what you're buying.

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💰 More Options, Better Rates

• Brokers compare quotes from multiple top-rated insurers to get you the best coverage for your money.

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🧠 Local Expertise

• South Lake Agency knows the local housing market, risk factors, and insurance trends—helping you avoid coverage gaps specific to your area.

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🤝 Ongoing Support

• Need to file a claim? Update your policy? South Lake provides continued service even after your policy is active.

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